Produced with a grant from AT&T

Get Your Money’s Worth

Save money on long distance service by enrolling in a calling plan that fits your habits. Consider how often and what time you call, how long you talk, and where you call (in-state, state-to-state or internationally). Request written material from companies and compare their rates to your calling patterns before you sign on.
Look for simplicity and a competitive rate. Most companies offer “flat rate” plans. One is a single per-minute rate that is good anytime. This will probably save you money if you make mostly daytime calls. Another kind of flat rate plan charges two rates: one for weekdays and one for all other times. This can save money if you make most of your long distance calls at night or on weekends. If you call other countries a lot, ask about discount calling plans that would save you money on international calls.

Buying all of your telecommunications services from one company can be a good value for some consumers, but it may be cheaper to forego the package deal and buy only the services you need.

Think about it. Twenty-five million households have kids who will be out trick-or-treating this Halloween. The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America conducted a survey to determine how safe the kids will be this Halloween. The results are not going to make parents feel terribly comfortable. Thirty-three million households, about 30 percent of those surveyed, don’t bother to check their outdoor lighting or make sure their home’s entryways are in good condition. So, loose bricks and stones, gaping holes in sidewalks, dark walkways and objects sprawled on paths and yards are potential hazards as the kids go on their merry way on Halloween. Parents don’t despair. The good news is that about 70 percent of households care about the safety of our children. They make sure trick-or-treaters have plenty of light and entryways are free from hazards. We’d like to share some simple rules to help keep kids safe as they collect goodies on their Halloween adventure. If your kids are old enough to make the rounds of your neighborhood without parental escort, help plan their route so they only visit homes of people you know. Also, make sure their costumes don’t obscure their vision and that they are easily visible in the dark. Reflective tape sewn on the front and back of costumes is a good idea. Take the precaution of inspecting all goodies before they are consumed. Parents seem to have gotten this message because a survey by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America indicated that 9 out of 10 parents inspect all treats before they are eaten. As for homeowners, take temptation out of the reach of kids by putting away lawn furniture, hoses, and other moveable objects. Keep pets inside and make sure your front yard and sidewalk are well lit and free of hazards that might trip up your young visitors.